Scam Alert: Company soliciting basketball sponsorships not legit

A company operating in Texas has been contacting Bladen County residents claiming to solicit sponsorships on behalf of the East Bladen High School basketball program.

“This is a scam!” said Athletic Director Patty Evers. “Please, do not give any money to this company.”

If you suspect you have been a victim of this or any other scam, contact the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency. The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division offers tips to staying safe from scams. Those tips include:

*Never give out your social security number, bank account or credit card information to strangers over the telephone or by email.

*Don’t sign any agreements, contracts or other paperwork until you fully understand it.

*Don’t cash checks you get in the mail along with a letter or call that tells you you’ve won an unexpected prize. The checks are most likely fake.

*Do not respond to emails or other solicitations asking you to send money out of the country.